The 17th Catholic Arts Award Ceremony

The CBCK Committee for Culture held the ceremony of the 17th Catholic Arts Awards at the Catholic Center in Seoul on February 17, 2012. Along with the Most Rev. Osvaldo Padilla, Apostolic Nuncio in Korea, the Most Rev. Joseph Son Sam-seok, President of the CBCK Committee for Culture and Auxiliary Bishop of Busan, Rev. Thaddaeus Lee Ki-rak, Executive Secretary of the CBCK, and other guests congratulated the awardees, Mr. Hong Soon-mu and Mr. Kim Yoo-sun.

Mr. Hong received the special award this year. He dedicated some outstanding sacred paintings to Inhu Parish in the Diocese of Jeonju. His works are: "Nativity of Christ", "Passion", and "Resurrection" based on the New Testament; "Abraham Sacrificing Isacc for God", "Miracle of the Red Sea", and "Ten Commandments" based on the Old Testament. "The Last Supper", an oil painting is considered as one of the masterpieces of Korean Catholic art.

Mr. Kim received the Grand Prix. As a sculptor, he has combined organic and geometric forms with his religious piety. His sculptures show his artisan spirit, conforming to the traditional forms with less artificial factors. He dedicated many works to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Namyang, Anseong Parish in the Diocese of Suwon, Hosung Parish in the Diocese of Jeonju.

Bishop Son said, "I was very surprised that these two artists have not received a Catholic Arts award until now. I am so glad to have an opportunity this time to express appreciation for their efforts."